Hasaan Hawthorne was born with a congenital birth defect called tibial hemimelia which resulted in him being born without both tibias. After many doctors visits it was determined, for him to have the best quality of life, was to have his legs amputated. At the age of 3 months old his parents proceeded in having his legs amputated at the knee joint leaving only his femurs. Shortly thereafter he was fitted for his first pair of prosthetics. Although apprehensive at first this was the start of his never quit attitude as he was determined to master this new challenge.

Hasaan was drawn to sports at an early age, preferring to spend his Saturday mornings watching SportsCenter rather than watching cartoons like most kids. This led to his desire to participate in sports. First turning to his first love baseball, Hasaan played T-ball at the YMCA but quickly realized this was not competitive enough for him. At the age of 5 he started playing park ball with the rest of the able-bodied kids up until he was 12 years old. He also played football, ran track, and swam competitively.

When Hasaan’s prosthetic could not hold up to demands of baseball he was introduced to wrestling. This was a perfect match because it allowed him to compete without his prosthetics and wrestling aligned with his extremely competitive and aggressive nature. Hasaan first stepped on the mat at Warrior Wrestling Club and the rest was history.

 Hasaan went on to wrestle at Riverchase Middle School and Pelham High School. At Pelham High School, Hasaan placed 3rd at the AHSAA State Championship his Junior year after having shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum and another surgery on one of his limbs to repair a bursa sac and remove bone spurs. Both surgeries within a month apart. Hasaan went on to win the AHSAA 6A State Championship his Senior year with a record of 37-0. Hasaan went on to receive a full scholarship to North Idaho College and Hastings College.

Hasaan’s wrestling accomplishments are:

High School Athletic Accomplishments:

2014-2016 - AHSAA State Qualifier, 2014-2015 AHSAA 3rd Place finisher 160lb weight class, 2016 – ASHAA 6A State Champion, 2016 ASHAA State Champion Most Outstanding Wrestler, 2016 – AL.com Wrestler of the Year, Bryant Jordan 6A Achievement Winner, Kiwanis Club of Birmingham Award Winner, National Federation of State High School Associations Spirit Award, Muscle and Fitness Magazine Inspirational Award, 2016 ESPN Face to Face with Hannah Storm.

Collegiate Athletic Accomplishments:

2016 – North Idaho Full College Scholarship Recipient, 2018 – Ranked Top 5 in the Country, 3 Time Academic All-American, Collegiate Academic Athlete of the Year Finalist, Hastings College Full Scholarship Recipient.